Student rewards…that aren’t junk food!

Have I mentioned that I’m tired of all the junk food at my daughter’s elementary school? And I am not talking about what they’re serving in the cafeteria. I am talking about the junk food that’s constantly being used for rewards, parties and activities. Here are just a few examples…

“Box top” prizes where winning class gets a donut or cupcake decorating party

Skittle sort (why not a button sort, which could even be reused the following year?)

Cake for the entire class (from the cafeteria) almost every time a student has a birthday

School “spirit” events at fast food restaurants and pizza places

“Popsicles with the principal” for top fundraising students

Celebrating the 100th day of school by stringing 100 fruit loops onto a necklace (cute idea, but I’m confident some healthier alternatives could be just as much fun)

But rather than just sitting here complaining about these issues, I thought why not do something about it instead?! As you may know, another mom and I teamed up to offer our school a healthier “nut-free” snack list so now we are doing the same when it comes to student rewards. And I’m finding that there’s no better place to brainstorm for ideas than my facebook page (thank you everyone for your wonderful ideas). So without further ado here’s a long list of student rewards…that aren’t junk food! We plan to submit this list to our school administration and PTA and hope you’ll consider doing the same by downloading the printable version. And as always, please leave any additional ideas in the comments below.

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My daughter is in kindergarten in Huntersville and this is our first time dealing with public schools and the ‘reward’ system in general. I am shocked at how much candy is offered as rewards for EVERYTHING on a weekly basis. Preschool was a just a small taste of how much bigger this problem is in elementary school. We do not offer candy at home and only offer (sometimes) unprocessed ‘sweet treats’ (such as our own home made cookies or the occasional organic minimal ingredient cookies from the store). Within the first couple months of school, I could tell this was a losing battle. Me vs school. I feel like I’m treading water in a very large ocean with lot’s of big waves. I really need to voice my opinion and somehow make it heard or count, but have been hesitant to. Not sure why , but thats my own issue I suppose lol! I love this site because I know I am not in the minority here. I feel so small and voiceless against the candy issue in school because most people feel it’s totally OK. I won’t judge those that do because everyone makes decisions for their own families that they think are best. For me, I do not want my daughter being offered candy all of the time! I like the idea of this list above and will maybe make up a nice email and approach the PTA and or principal with it. Seems like a good place to start. Our school system consists of something like 150+ schools in Charlotte/Mecklenburg… so I don’t want to get involved with the entire district, just the school my daughter goes to (and in 2 years my son). I love her elementary school and every other aspect about it; this is my only gripe with the school.

I feel for you Sky. We have the same problem here. Even voicing our opinion here with the Principal was a losing battle. The School is So-So. My Son’s 4th grade teacher wants to do an “engineering project” with graham crackers, frosting, mints, lifesavers and candy canes as a Reward for all their hard work. Why does it have to be made of edible materials loaded with Sugar? My Son already has compulsive eating issues with Sugar. I consider this an unsafe environment for my Son. (Kind of like holding an AA meeting in a bar.) So when presented with the District’s School Wellness Policy instead of changing the materials to something like Saltines or Salt Dough or changing the project to something that is in alignment with their school wellness policy, they offered to exclude my Son sending him to the Principal’s office instead.

But for next week’s “engineering sugar fest” where they try to somehow keep 9 year olds with little impulse control from eating while building gingerbread houses with only one teacher to “supervise” (you know she will be munching in the background). We will stay home from school opting to go to the Amusement Park, to studying Physics and Engineering of the rides instead, again without sugar.

Supply your teachers with givables. They can’t pay for all rewards! I bought them for forty years and only had a few parents offer to buy and bring in. Children don’t need rewards, I have had parents come in and tell me that their children work well with a reward system and would like me to buy certain things for their children! Did they offer to buy? Absolutely NOT

Kathy I totally understand. Our teacher just declares that she is having an event and the parents are to pay for it whether we agree with it or not.

As for your situation, I would ask for a fundraiser to fund the rewards for the kids. If they chose not to put their money where their mouthes were, then it is not really necessary or important. I think the free items above like sitting in different seats or a rolling chair or an Art Project is far better than any food reward. I would even be willing to help.

Right up there with food rewards is the never-ending stream of low cost “rewards”. Our daughter comes home with so many pencils, buttons, plastic figurines, stickers, GAH! I feel bad that the school and teachers are spending money on things that I give away or recycle. I really appreciate some sort of physical activity as a reward, like the dance party or extra recess time listed above. Kids wear uniforms at my daughters school, so free dress days are occasionally given to kids who volunteer. Thank you for this list!

My children’s elementary school does not celebrate with food. For Birthdays, parents or someone close to the child are invited to come in and read to the class. The kids love having a loved one come into their classroom. The PTO also runs a program called birthday books. The librarian purchases books and parents have the option of donating one in honor of their child. The PTO then delivers the book to the child. They make deliveries 2x a month. They’re able to keep the book for a few weeks and then send it into the library. My kids love finding their books and it helps replenish our school library.

For holidays, room parents and parent volunteers usually run centers that involve crafts or quick fun games, like those you’d see on Minute to Win It.

For box tops, the top selling class wins an extra recess. This only occurs 2-3 times a year.

For 100th day projects, kids bring in 100 non-edible items that can fit in a gallon size bag or they can make a poster.

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